Hawks' Zaza Pachulia (Achilles) to undergo season-ending surgery

The Hawks announced Saturday center Zaza Pachulia will undergo season-ending surgery on his right Achilles. Pachulia hasn't played since March 3 because of the injury and will need six months to recover following surgery.

“After thoroughly reviewing the possible options with Zaza, we all felt this was the best decision to ensure Zaza’s complete recovery so that he can be at 100 percent going forward,” Hawks President of Basketball Operations and General Manger Danny Ferry said. “Zaza is a professional with a strong work ethic. The Hawks will continue to be completely supportive as he tackles the return to play process.”

Pachulia, 29, averaged 5.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 52 appearances this season. He is making $5.2 million in the final year of a four-year contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 6-foot-11 center from Georgia has spent the last eight seasons of his 10-year career in Atlanta.

Atlanta, currently the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 40-33, lost guard Lou Williams to season-ending knee surgery back in January. Coach Larry Drew has turned to reserve forwards Ivan Johnson and Anthony Tolliver and reserve center Johan Petro in Pachulia's absences.